Welcome to
Up North Prevention

In July, seven families, 17 participants, and three staff members came together for a fun-filled canoe trip on the beautiful Manistee River from Smithville Landing. This family activity was coordinated by the Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition as part of our ongoing efforts to provide positive, healthy, substance-free opportunities for youth and families in Kalkaska County. Transportation, the canoe trip, and lunch were all provided through our Community Policing Gra

The Up North Prevention team from Catholic Human Services recently attended the 2026 Rural Michigan Opioid and Substance Use Summit in Gaylord, joining professionals from across the state who are dedicated to strengthening prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery efforts. The summit provided valuable continuing education, opportunities to learn about innovative programs, and meaningful conversations with partners working to improve the health and well-being of Mich

At the end of the school year, the stakes are higher for students as finals, projects, and other classroom work culminate, wrapping up a 40 week marathon to summer vacation. Traditionally, much of the emphasis on mental health support is directed toward these students, but Students Leading Students (SLS) members recognized an additional need. Teachers, counselors, custodians, and administrators are under similar pressure, so the Alcona SLS chapter decided to do something abou